The nurse is planning care for the child admitted with signs and symptoms consistent with meningitis. Based on the mode of transmission of this infection, which precautionary intervention would be included in the plan of care?

Rationale: A. Neutropenic precautions are for patients with low neutrophil counts, not specifically for meningitis. B. Enteric precautions are used for infections spread via the fecal-oral route, which is not typical for meningitis. C. Precautions should be initiated promptly based on clinical suspicion, not delayed until cultures confirm diagnosis. D. Meningitis, especially bacterial meningitis, is often spread via respiratory droplets. Respiratory precautions should be maintained for at least 24 hours after antibiotic therapy begins to prevent transmission.